Approximately 50 Westport Island residents attended a public hearing May 26 to learn about the proposed acquisition of a 144-acre parcel referred to as “the Squam Creek Preserve.”

The meeting was held at the island’s town hall and gave residents an opportunity to voice their support or opposition to the June 14 ballot question seeking $50,000 in town funds to help acquire the property.

Dennis Dunbar, president of the Kennebec Estuary Land Trust (KELT), took attendees through a 45-minute talk about the organization, the property and the reasons to support the land trust’s plan.

Saying he was there to “inform the voters and hear your thoughts about it,” he provided additional information about the property and KELT.

KELT hopes to acquire the Squam Island preserve parcel currently owned by the Segerstrom Realty Trust. It has been in the Segerstrom family since 1955.

Dunbar sees the acquisition as “a once in a generation opportunity.”  The property is home to the largest deer wintering area on Westport and has significant wetlands as well as two commercial oyster farms.

Dunbar also pointed out the historical significance of the land, explaining that it includes the original lots 1 and 2 settled by early island residents in the Dunton and Hodgdon families. In addition to home sites for Steven Dunton, James Dunton, Eliza Jane Welsh and Luretta Hodgdon, the property also includes the Dunton and Hodgdon family cemeteries.

At Thursday’s meeting, those in favor of the measure appeared to outnumber attendees opposing it.  Resident Donna Curry was applauded for her expression of support, saying that it was her “responsibility as a citizen to protect properties like this.”

Joe Donahue questioned the price for the property, noting that it had been on the market for two years at $511,000. The family is willing to reduce the price to $411,000 if it is sold to KELT, but Donahue asked if there had been a recent appraisal and raised the question, “Are we overpaying for this?”

Bill Mooney felt that the information included in Dunbar’s talk was “too narrow” and referred to the land trust’s request for $50,000 saying, “If you only make $30,000 a year, it’s a big deal.”

A heated exchange occurred between Joan Sartoris and Ruth Nelson, head of the island’s planning board. “This is the wealth of Maine,” Sartoris said, expressing her support of the purchase. “Then let them raise all of the money,” Nelson countered.

Dick Barker, a descendant of one of the original owners of the property, felt it is a “Wonderful opportunity for the town. Everyone can see the beauty of our island.”

The measure will come before island residents at the secret ballot vote and, if approved, the funding will be addressed as a warrant article at the June 25 town meeting.